OLD BLUESPRING 2020

THE

ALSO INSIDEPlay Your Part: The Future of the CH Theatre

Food For Thought From Spam to the Law, via CH

PLUS MUCH MORE...

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Experience Something Different with Lewis Jenkins 2-3

FEATURES

EXPERIENCE SOMETHING DIFFERENT

How did Experience Something Different come about?

In 2016, I was the number two at a global travel and education company. I set up the Australian arm from scratch and it had gone well. I had all the trappings of success: big house, nice car, global travel, I was getting married... Nothing could go wrong. It went wrong. In a day, I lost my wife, my home and my dogs, along with my right to live in Australia. Then I lost my mind and got literally lost in a tropical rainforest in Queensland. I got out a day later with two busted ankles. Personally, professionally and physically, I was broken. That period taught me that we can’t take anything for granted. I visited England to try to regroup. I met up with someone from CH whom I hadn’t seen for 20 years, and she took pity on me. So, a year later, I sold my company and limped back to England to move in with the girl from school. I’d been her first kiss. Thank goodness I’m a great kisser! After that, I promised I would stop lying: to myself and to other people. And that I’d pay more attention to being a good person. I decided the next company would be business as a force for good. That’s how it started.

How has the business evolved?

To begin with, we tried stuff out, failed a lot, but we were learning all the time. I was working on a start-up with leading charities and Airbnb, selling days-out for families that benefited good causes. We had loads of goodwill and good reviews. But it wasn’t working. The first thing I learned on my business studies A-level was to make a venture, you have to solve a problem, sell something the world needs, you have to “scratch an itch”.

I was running out of ideas, when a teacher at a grammar school made contact. He’d seen on our website one of the dummy experiences with Oxfam at a disaster-relief centre. He said that current school fieldtrips were a missed opportunity to prepare young people for the future. He asked us to help.

We built a trip for his school. We tied it to curriculum objectives, we had positive commercial role-models talking honestly to young people about the challenges we face and the opportunities ahead. It became climate curriculum careers.It snowballed from there. We had our itch.

What approach do you take to creating your experiences?

We design immersive, interactive and impactful trips — be they day trips, safaris, workshops or tours to entrepreneurial organisations — using storyboards, the latest technology, community input and well-being surveys. Most importantly, we listen to teachers as we plan, and we listen to students on the day. It’s all about candid human interaction, eye contact, no phones.

What’s your favourite experience?

That’s a tough one. To date, we have visited galleries, start-up incubators, community hubs, restaurants and leading renewable-energy companies. We have had talks from BBC journalists, scientists, local councillors and MPs, entrepreneurs and other experts in sustainability and business as a force for good. We even ate bugs washed down with sustainable beer!

People love Our Start-up Showcase and Sustainability Safari, but then we did a Sustainable Stories English trip recently with a journalist who had some crazy tales about his time working undercover, investigating the causes of the fire in the Amazon rainforest. We are currently planning an experience which focuses on defence and security. I think I’m going to be able to get some incredible access behind the scenes.

By 2050, with a global population of 10 billion, increased global warming, ever more finite resources and our succession to technology, the world will be unrecognisable. We need to adapt and evolve, and restore young people’s faith in our capacity for change - and Old Blue Lewis Jenkins is doing just that.

In 2017, Lewis Jenkins (MaB, PeA, ThA, LaB, GrW 94-01) founded Experience Something Different, a social enterprise that develops and delivers immersive real-world field trips for young people. By working with teachers and listening to students, he organises curriculum-driven tours and excursions to organisations that innovate, create and care about the future.

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“Most importantly we listen to teachers as we plan, and we listen to students on the day. It’s all about candid human interaction, eye contact, no phones”

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EXPERIENCE SOMETHING DIFFERENT

How important is it for children to learn about building a sustainable future?

Environmental problems are everyone’s problems. Young people intuitively understand this better than adults. If children and adults can learn about the challenges that we are looking at together, we can meet them together. The more I look at the science, the more I appreciate how entirely the game has changed. The thing about climate and sustainability is that it’s all-encompassing. You can’t talk meaningfully about war, disease or famine or the future of work without thinking about climate change. It’s mind boggling. On the other hand, it gives us the potential to rise together to a massive challenge.

What do you enjoy most and what are your biggest challenges?

For the first time in my life, I feel that my personal and professional values are aligned. I can be who I want to be at work and dedicate myself to something bigger than me. I believe in it. That counts. Us adults tend to have fixed mindsets - our default is to “do nothing” on climate. Young people have growth mindsets - their default is to “do something” for the future. It’s inspiring to be around them. I also love that the young people we work with are able to think for themselves. They don’t parrot a certain newspaper or support a certain idea because a politician tells them to. The challenge for ESD is that we are “something different” and sometimes people don’t “get it”. Fortunately, I have had incredible support from amazing staff, partners and brilliant students, those that do.

What impact do you hope to have for ensuring a more sustainable future?

Improved career prospects, well-being and climate and sustainability knowledge for 100,000 young people a year by 2025. That’s our goal. It’s huge and daunting at times, but we are just about on track. In September, we won a place on the Cambridge University Judge Business School Social Ventures who have helped us apply more rigorous methodology, implementing student well-being as one of our KPIs. Fourteen schools have signed up including CH and other big-name schools; for Eton College we are this month providing a collaboration trip with a state school. We are running pilots with universities, too, and are planning to try the product in new countries. Longer term, we want to create an online academy for young people. We want young people from all backgrounds around the world to collaborate on start-up ventures and international climate and sustainability projects.

What’s next?

I’ve recently made a trip back to Australia to talk to people about launching ESD there. I feel a total hypocrite for getting on a plane, but it was my home for years. It’s been poignant coming back to a country that is on fire, in part exacerbated by climate change. I have recently decided to raise funding through a Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS). We will have to sell some shares in the business but, ultimately, it lets us achieve our goals faster. I am meeting some external investors but I would prefer “friendlies” — any Old Blues who are out there reading this and fancy an adventure please get in touch.

What Impact has CH had on your life?

I took undergraduate degrees at King’s College London and the University of California and a Master’s degree at Cambridge; I have lived, worked and travelled in more than 40 countries. I started out on Wall Street, spent years travelling the world with a political-risk consultancy in Russia, China and the US. I was on the board of a multinational company by the time I was 30. I’ve had a wonderful life. Without CH, that wouldn’t have happened.

Most important are the friends I have made. Just last night, I was at dinner with an Old Blue here in Melbourne. When my life fell apart back in 2016, he and a couple of other Old Blues gave me somewhere to stay and put me back together again. And then, of course, there is the wonderful woman I live with.

It’s impossible to underestimate the impact CH had on my life. I was naughty when I was a kid and lucky not to get thrown out. I’ll always be grateful and glad that I didn’t. CH legend Howard Holdsworth (MdB, MaA 66-73, Staff 92-18) made that happen. If you’re reading this, thank you Howard!

What would you say to inspire CH pupils?

Young people are already striking from school, they are watching species vanish and ice caps melt. They are already protesting in the streets. They know what a sustainable future looks like. Talk is cheap from adults at this stage. So, I wouldn’t say anything. I’d listen.

Find out more about Experience Something Different at: www.experiencesomethingdifferent.org

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Christ’s Hospital Old Blues Association @CHOldBlues

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

FEATURES

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Our understanding of food and the importance it plays in our lives is constantly evolving. As scientists expand our knowledge and discover more about its contribution to health, awareness of good nutrition plays an increasingly important role in the education sector. CH is continuing to prioritise the promotion of the importance of food and nutrition among the pupils and in the School.

Following the recent completion of the new school catering facilitiy, the building now houses two new Food and Nutrition classrooms, each providing pupils with access to 15 cooking stations to equip them with culinary techniques, as well as knowledge of nutrition. Pupils learn the fundamentals of a healthy diet and lifestyle through learning what nutrients are in the foods that we eat and the benefits of them to the body. They also gain a variety of different cookery skills, from knife techniques, to the safe usage and handling of meat, to making puff and choux pastry.

Head of Food and Nutrition at CH, Philippa Laughton explains why this subject is so important, the benefits that the new facilities bring to pupils, and the potential career paths that they could uncover.

“Studying food and nutrition is so important as we all need to eat! In eating food we should all have an understanding of what we are putting into our bodies and how it works to provide us with energy. This goes so much deeper with understanding what foods are better for us and in what quantities, as well as how much of each food group we should be eating.

We are a nation that can be too reliant on convenience foods and take-away foods. Having the knowledge, understanding and confidence in being able to prepare your own meals will hold all of our pupils in good stead for their futures.”

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Old Blue Coralie Strong (LHB, GrE 07-14) left CH to read Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Leeds, and has gone on to pursue a passion for wine. Now a successful wine blogger, she equips young people and inexperienced wine drinkers with the knowledge and confidence to discover the complicated world of wine through her website “Every Glass Matters”.

“By producing information that is accessible to any wine reader, “Every Glass Matters” focuses on creating an easy-to-use platform where people with little or even no wine background can increase their confidence in wine styles, regions and grape varieties. The aim is to inspire younger, inexperienced people who are interested in wine and encourage them to drink less but better quality when making their wine choices.”

Along with Every Glass Matters, Coralie writes for publications including Drinks Retailing News and Bordeaux Wines UK. She represents wine brands at trade events and has recently branched out into filming projects for which her latest venture with Bibendem Wine takes her on a challenge: find five places on the Northern Line to enjoy a quality glass of wine, with a total budget of just £50.

“My passion for wine stemmed from drinking extremely neutral Pinot Grigio and thinking ‘there must be

something more exciting in the wine world!’ I started it to help more young and inexperienced wine drinkers enjoy a range of wines and have the confidence to choose wines that they previously would have avoided.”

In broadening her wine horizons, Coralie has completed the Wines and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) Diploma and a Masters in Viticulture and Oenology. In January, she was awarded the prestigious Derouet Jameson Memorial Foundation scholarship which will support her studies of the Master of Wine qualification – this is regarded in the wine industry as one of the highest standards of professional knowledge.

Coralie hopes that “Every Glass Matters” will continue to grow, with plans underway to expand into beer and spirits in the coming months. She is enjoying tremendous success and points to her time at CH as inspirational.

“Food and Nutrition was my highlight subject at CH which inspired my degree choice at Leeds. It allows students to be creative whilst learning key skills with a tangible, hopefully delicious result. Mrs Robinson (CH Food and Nutrition teacher) was my inspiration and greatly helped me get into university, which led me to run the Leeds University wine society and “Every Glass Matters” then evolved.“

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EVERY GLASS MATTERS

Philippa explains that the pupils now benefit from access to purpose-built, individual units to work within. “This provides them with more space to carry out higher-levelled, skilled, practical dishes, as well as being able to combine practical work with theoretical knowledge by carrying out experiments with ingredients. We are able to run more food cookery actives for pupils, which means that the whole school has access to the new facilities, regardless of whether they are a food pupil or not. We are also able to form a much stronger relationship with the chefs downstairs in order to utilise their professional knowledge and pass that onto the pupils”.

The food and drink industry is a thriving global business. In the UK alone, the food industry contributes almost £90 billion to the economy. Philippa explained “Opportunities to pursue a career in the area of food and nutrition are continually expanding. One can become a product developer, developer chef, food buyer or food technologist, and many other roles that influence what foods are developed for the consumer, to working in the health-care industry as a dietician, specialising in food law, becoming a food stylist for glossy magazines and online or becoming a craft brewer within the ever-expanding drinks industry. The possibilities really are endless!”

Look out for an online video tour of the new kitchen facilities by Old Blues Daisy Swayne (BaA 90-97), Chris Thomas (ThA, ThB, GrW 94-01) and Ralph Tait (ThB, ThA 86-93), taken on their recent visit to CH. Follow @CHOldBlues on Facebook and Twitter.

Watch the episode at: www.bibendum-wine.co.uk/bibendum-tv/drinking-wine-on-the-northern-line

Follow Coralie’s blog at:www.everyglassmatters.com

PLAY YOUR PART:THE FUTURE OF THE CH THEATRE

FEATURES

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Christ’s Hospital has always valued the performing arts as a critical learning tool that develops well-rounded young people and encourages skills that are vital for success.

The benefits of introducing young people to the performing arts in education are well documented – from developing creativity and confidence, to improved academic learning and combating inequality. Yet young people face many barriers that can hinder their access to the arts such as a lack of family support, a low-income background and preconceptions of the arts, combined with cuts in funding which are forcing many schools to drop the arts from their curriculum.

At Christ’s Hospital, we believe in using the power of the performing arts to transform lives. Every child should have access to the performing arts to develop and learn skills that are not only applicable to the stage, but in everyday life. Drama and music are a central part of the School’s academic and extra-curricular offering, and every pupil has the opportunity to participate in a way that interests them, whether that be as an actor, musician, director, writer, singer, technician or set designer.

AT THE CENTRE OF IT ALL IS A TREASURED SPACE: THE CH THEATRE

Whether treading the boards or experiencing life behind the scenes, the Christ’s Hospital Theatre holds special significance to generations of pupils. Since its establishment in 1974, the CH Theatre has been a dedicated space for teaching drama and presenting both school and external productions.

But the power of the CH Theatre goes far beyond the stage, particularly for those young people with difficult circumstances. It offers a dedicated space in which they can express themselves, gain self-confidence, believe in themselves, and helps them to realise what they are capable of achieving. The CH Theatre often becomes a “home” – and sometimes a lifeline – for students, providing a safe space where they can explore their interests and potential. For some, the experience leads to a career in the performing arts, with several BAME students going on to break barriers in theatre and beyond.

A “HOME” FOR MANY

“The Christ’s Hospital Theatre was my home during my time there, and it is so important to keep that space usable and up to date so that it may continue over the years to provide opportunities like it did for me. Performing is such an important escape that many people need, and backstage there is a whole other world.

A world which welcomes anyone with open arms and must be preserved as a safe space for those who perhaps feel that they don’t quite fit in or belong anywhere else.

The CH Theatre gave me the courage to stay at a school far from home and finally feel as though I had a space in which I did have a place and could safely find who I am. It gave me personal opportunities to grow and develop, and also the ability to apply and gain a place at one of the top universities for the subject.”

Bella Kelaidi (ColB, GrW 11-18)Bella now studies Stage Management and Technical Theatre at The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama

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A SPACE TO PRESERVE FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

In its 46 years, the CH Theatre has touched the hearts and minds of so many pupils, their families and the community through performances, arts education and outreach. Now, it is in dire need of repair and upgrading. Essential enhancements are required to modernise the space and give this wonderful theatre its first major upgrade since it opened in 1974.

CH is delighted to be able to start this £2-million redevelopment project thanks to a generous legacy from an Old Blue, for whom the arts, particularly theatre, had been “of immense pleasure“ in his lifetime – an interest nurtured at CH.

As part of our planned improvements we need to:• ensure it is fit for purpose in terms of

safety and accessibility;• modernise technical systems and

equipment to the standards required for today’s productions;

• enlarge the foyer to enhance the experience for theatregoers and expand rehearsal space;

• improve the dressing rooms; and• replace lighting for stage and

auditorium to improve experience and increase efficiency.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

To ensure the future of the CH Theatre for generations to come, we need your help to raise a further £130,000 to reach our final target for the project.

For more information on how to support this project please contact Hugo Middlemas, Development Director on:

T: 01403 246652E: hdm@christs-hospital.org.uk

JASON FLEMYNG IN THE SPOTLIGHTThe CH Theatre has inspired thousands of pupils and has been instrumental in fostering the early careers of many well-known actors. We spoke to actor and Old Blue, Jason Flemyng (MaB, MdA 78-85) about the impact of the CH theatre on his life.

What has acting allowed you to achieve?

Acting is the foundation of the wonderful life that I lead and live, it has given me everything. Travel, broadening my mind, financial security, a family and everything.

What impact did the Drama department and the CH Theatre have on you, personally and professionally?

From the moment I arrived at CH, I knew from seeing the theatre that that’s where I wanted to be for the rest of my life. It was a moment of clarity at a tender age, which gave me the confidence and the drive and the lack of safety net to just walk that tightrope knowing that’s what I wanted. And from the moment I made that decision, Duncan Noel-Paton, the head of theatre and my house, supported that decision. And that’s what’s great about CH, they’ll find a seed or kernel of an idea, the kernel of a career and they will nurture it. They won’t say “but that’s a ridiculous dream, you’ll never make it”, they said “let’s do this together, let’s push you and do whatever it takes to get you where you need to be.”

Why is it important to have a dedicated space to practice your craft?

A plumber can’t learn to fix pipes without pipes and without water supply, and an actor can’t grow into a trained and well-crafted professional without a theatre or without teachers.

How did Christ’s Hospital change your life?

CH gave me the confidence to be who I am, the confidence to not listen to anyone, to follow my own instincts, and to push ahead. CH is fundamentally responsible for my career as an actor.

“I knew from seeing the theatre, that that’s where I wanted to be for the rest of my life”

Jason has had tremendous success as an actor. He is best known for his roles in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Snatch. Look out for his latest role in Military Wives, which was released in cinemas on 6 March.

inJason stars in Pennyworth ©Frank Ockenfells 3 / Epix

FROM SPAM TO THE LAW, VIA CH

FEATURES

Old Blue James Dawson (MaB, MaA 83-90) pays tribute to Christ’s Hospital for how it helped to shape his adult life. Now a partner in leading City law firm Addleshaw Goddard LLP, James reflects on how CH contributed to his success.

Before CH, I attended an Inner London Education Authority (ILEA) primary school sandwiched between the Peabody estates of south Islington and the Barbican Estate. It was the late 1970s and my average school-day was fuelled with Spam fritters, kicking a plastic football around a concrete playground, lessons blighted by crowd control (rather than being enriched with education) and trying to dodge the local “skin-heads” on the way home. Most of the kids who made it to the end of their time there went on to Islington Green School – the local comprehensive famous for appearing in Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall (Part II)” and frequently failing school inspections.

My parents had the foresight to look beyond our locality for secondary education for my older brother and me, and discovered a school like no other in West Sussex.

My Dad had recently given up a secure job and started his own business during a period of considerable economic uncertainty. The miners were striking and inflation was in the low teens. Had I not managed to get a place at CH, and avoid the local schooling options, I’m sure I would not have found my way into the legal profession. Arrival at CH presented a world of opportunity, and the discipline and structure that I needed to focus on learning effectively. It also provided the

green spaces for energetic boys like me to exert themselves, which inner London didn’t. Within a short period of arriving, I had experienced a host of new challenges and ones that would not have been available at the local “comp”. I had played rugby for the first time, started learning to play the side drum and had enjoyed my first Latin lesson. This may seem like a random collection of pursuits but each one, in its own way, has helped to shape my adult life and contributed to my becoming a partner in a large City law firm.

Latin is the most obvious. I joke with my children that my interest in the life of Caecilius and his famous garden helped develop my logical legal mind (and I am pleased that I ignored the School’s primitive job-selection software that suggested I should become a gardener, notwithstanding Caecilius’ love of his). When my daughter recently started to learn Latin at her school, I felt a wave of nostalgia in discovering that after all these years “Caecilius est in horto [still]”.

Learning to play the side drum resulted in me taking part in five Beating Retreats and writing the “Splits” for my final one. I had never written notes on a page before this (and haven’t since), but it taught me not to shy away from the unfamiliar. Also, the discipline of daily band practice provided an invaluable demonstration of how dedication has a direct correlation to success. I just wish there had been a better system for the band to get their food after lunch parade (before the days of the buffet system), as I reckon I might have made it to six foot if I had eaten more at lunchtimes…

Rugby was a big part of my life at CH, playing in the First XV during the Deps and Grecians. Having never played before CH, I remember very clearly the first time I got the ball and feeling an overwhelming sense of panic. The adrenaline must have then kicked in as I don’t recall what happened next. I was never really big enough to be one of the best on the pitch but quickly learned that speed could get me out of most situations. I also rapidly

“Had I not managed to get a place at CH, and avoid the local schooling options, I’m sure I would not have found my way into the legal profession”

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learned that effective team work (mainly passing to someone larger) was a reliable way of staying out of trouble. This art of effective delegation and team working, finding the right person for a task, has been vital in my career.

Looking back now, I realise that I had the best of both worlds, with a rural existence during term-time and the dynamism of inner-city life during the holidays. I was also lucky that Horsham and Hertford schools were united during my time at CH, as having the girls arrive improved the overall balance during a period of rapid modernisation for the School. It also meant that I met my wife, Isabel.

WHY I GIVE TO CH

I have been asked a number of times why I became a Blue Fund Governor and feel so strongly about CH. The answer is simple:

CH can and does have the ability to find children whose potential is in danger of being restricted by their circumstances, and gives them the opportunity to thrive in an environment which opens up greater opportunities; I recall being encouraged to do all that I can to enable others to enjoy that same advantage.

OUR IMPACT 2018/19

James is the representative Governor for one of our Blue Fund pupils and generously supports the Blue Fund with a regular monthly gift. We are incredibly grateful to James and all of our Blue Fund donors who have collectively supported three Blue Fund pupils at CH.

To join the Blue Fund and help another deserving pupil at CH, you can make a donation by any of the following methods:

Funds raised towards the next Blue Fund will support one of the 18 places for the Bright Futures campaign.

Online at: bluefund.christs-hospital.org.uk

By mail: Please complete and return the enclosed gift form.

By Phone: Please call us on 01403 246570

Our Impact Report for 2018/19 has now been published and showcases some of the difference our work makes.

The report highlights our key achievements from the year and demonstrates a clear picture of the incredible impact the School has for our pupils, providing more than £18.4 million in bursary support and offering the life-changing education that is central to driving social mobility.

YOU CAN DOWNLOAD a copy of Our Impact 2018/19 at:

www.christs-hospital.org.uk/information/publications

Our thanks go to everyone who has helped us to fulfil our mission and challenge disadvantage through transformative education. Without you, our impact would not have been possible.

POSITIVE96%by CH on the lives of Grecians (Year 13)

IMPACT

received by pupils, averaging 83% remission of fees

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of Grecians said CH helped them86%

GROW INCONFIDENCE

£18.4BURSARY SUPPORTMILLION

for pupils at Christ ’s Hospital

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EEJames with his older brother, Robert

of Grecians said CH provided them with

88%A STRONGFOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE

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When a group of Old Blue medics set up the Medical Foundation to fund a Donation Governorship collectively, I was fortunate to be appointed nominated Governor for the Foundation’s fourth presentee in 2015. I was very lucky to be welcomed warmly by the family and, when the younger sister also wanted to go to CH, I decided to present her myself – with the support of my accountant, who pointed out that I had left a presentation in my will so should instead do it while still alive to enjoy it!

They are two delightful and talented girls and from exactly the background that CH exists to address.

DONATION GOVERNORSHIP A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO SUPPORT BRIGHT FUTURES

WHAT MAKES A DONATION GOVERNORSHIP SO UNIQUE?

The scheme is unique to CH and helps identify and support those pupils who are in particular need. Pupils who are presented to the School by a Donation Governor only need to pass the assessments and show suitability to board to be offered a place. However, the real benefit is the special relationship that can form between the Donation Governor, the pupil and their family during their time at CH and afterwards.

EXPERIENCE A LASTING BOND

Donation Governors’ involvement can vary enormously. For some, this will include visiting the pupil at school, acting as a sounding-board for decisions that the pupil is making, helping to facilitate work-experience opportunities and providing advice at key life-stages. For others, the involvement may be limited to occasional written contact and the provision of advice when needed. In all cases Donation Governors are sent copies of the pupil’s school reports so that they are kept abreast of progress.

WITNESS TRANSFORMATION

By becoming a part of your Presentee’s life at CH, you can experience first-hand the joy of watching them grow, gain confidence and thrive before your very eyes. The relationship between Presentee and Donation Governor often extends into adulthood.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR ME? JANET PORTER, DONATION GOVERNOR

I am seeing them blossom – taking full advantage of all that CH has to offer them – and I hope I will remain in touch with them in their future careers”.

I FEEL AS THOUGH I HAVE AQUIRED TWO GODCHILDREN, WHOM I CAN ENCOURAGE AND SUPPORT AND IN WHOSE ACHIEVEMENTS I TAKE REAL PRIDE.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Christ’s Hospital Old Blues Association @CHOldBluesBRIGHT FUTURES

“The role of a Donation Governor is a uniquely privileged one, providing the opportunity to meet “The Charge” in a direct and personally rewarding way.

One significant way to support Bright Futures is through a Donation Governorship. The Donation Governorship scheme offers the opportunity for supporters to identify and support a child who has a particular need for a boarding place throughout his or her CH education.

To become a Donation Governor, you give a substantial qualifying donation to the School, either as a one-off gift or over up to three years. Following the qualifying donation, you will be nominated for election to the Court of Governors and be given the right to “present” a pupil to the School.

There are two Court of Governor meetings each year, which provide the opportunity to learn more about CH and our plans for the future. You will also be invited to ceremonial events such as Speech Day, the Spital Sermon and St Matthew’s Day, in London and Horsham.

TOGETHER WE CAN CHANGE

LIVES!

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BECOME A DONATION GOVERNOR TODAY AND TRANSFORM A CHILD’S LIFEYour presentee’s time at CH will almost certainly be a life-changing experience and will provide him or her with the values, skills and knowledge that they will need to make their way successfully in an increasingly demanding world.

For more information on becoming a Donation Governor, please contact Sarah Clifton on:

T: 01403 247588E: skc@christs-hospital.org.uk

MAKE BRIGHT FUTURES POSS18LEIn September 2019, we launched the Bright Futures campaign, to raise £1.5 million by September 2021 to fund 18 additional bursary places at CH.

On Tuesday 3 December 2019, we celebrated Giving Tuesday, the international day of giving, in support of Bright Futures. A generous Old Blue pledged to match every gift given, and we were astounded by the response from Old Blues, parents and friends of CH. In total, we raised an incredible £202,000!

Thank you to everyone who took part, this was our most successful Giving Tuesday ever. Since the Bright Futures campaign launched, a total of 400 parents and Old Blues have raised more than £374,600, with another £41,000 pledged by 2021.

This is amazing and we’re so grateful to everyone who has already made a gift. You are helping to make Bright Futures possible by giving a CH education to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Thank you.

To find out more about how you can support the Bright Futures campaign, contact the Development Team on 01403 246570, or development@christs-hospital.org.uk, or visit www.christs-hospital.org.uk/support-us.

£1.5 millionby September

2021

18bursary places

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EVENTS ROUND-UP

EVENTS

Remembrance Sunday November, CH

MUN Conference

December, CH

CH Community Show

October, CH

Lord Mayor’s Show November, London

5 Years on Reunion

January, London

Our events are a great way for you to stay in touch with Christ’s Hospital.

Here are just some of the highlights from the last six months and a taster of events to come.

Horsham Year of CultureOctober, Horsham

Careers Networking Event

February, CH

School Concert December, CH

10 Years on Reunion

November, CH

School Carol Service December, CH

CHOBA Carol Concert December, London

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DATES FOR YOUR DIARYFor a full list of events including those in your local area, to book tickets, or to get help with your own alumni event, visit choba.org/event, email oldblues@christs-hospital.org.uk or call 01403 247619. For all events marked * please contact the Theatre Box Office on: 01403 247434 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am - 12 noon, term time only).

MAY OLD BLUES’ DAY – Saturday 16 May, Christ’s Hospital, 10.00 to 16.00This year we will be continuing the National 75th-anniversary celebrations of VE Day with a 1945 VE-themed Old Blues’ Day.

30 YEARS ON REUNION LUNCH – Saturday 16 May, Christ’s Hospital, 13.00 to 15.00This event is for leavers of 1989 and 1990. More details to follow.

JUNE OLD BLUES’ TOUR – Thursday 4 June, Christ’s Hospital, 13.00 to 16.00An opportunity for Old Blues and up to 3 guests to visit the CH site during term time.

60 YEARS ON REUNION – Thursday 25 June, Christ’s Hospital, 12.00 to 16.00This event is for leavers of 1959 and 1960. More details to follow.

PARENTS’ DAY – Sunday 28 June, Christ’s Hospital, more details coming soon.An opportunity for parents and families of current pupils to come to Christ’s Hospital and take part in a number of activities.

MARCH 40 YEARS ON REUNION – Friday 20 March, The National Gallery, London, 18.00 to 20.00This event is for leavers of 1979 and 1980. Join us for drinks, cheese and charcuterie, and a catch-up with your peers.

ANGUS ROSS GALA CONCERT* – Sunday 22 March, Big School, CH, 19.00Our annual musical tour de force marks the second year of our collaboration with the English Chamber Orchestra, our Professional Orchestra-in-Partnership, who will play alongside the CH Symphony Orchestra.

65+ YEARS ON REUNION – Wednesday 25 March, Christ’s Hospital, 12.00 to 16.00This event is for leavers of 1955 and earlier. Join us for lunch in Big School.

APRIL OLD BLUES’ TOUR – Thursday 23 April, Christ’s Hospital, 13.00 to 16.00An opportunity for Old Blues and up to 3 guests to visit the CH site during term time.

JULY HERTFORD REUNION – Friday 17 July, Café Rouge, London, 14.00This event is for those Old Blues who attended Hertford. Join us for Afternoon Tea.

14 THE OLD BLUE

EVENTS

Name...........................................................................................................................

Address........................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

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Email...........................................................................................................................

Phone No....................................................................................................................

Old Blues’ Day Registration Form - Please return this form to the CHOBA office to register your place and to book lunch and any activities.

Ticket Type Quantity

Adult (free)

Child (free)

The Great Escape (free)

Tube Tour 10.15 (free)

Tube Tour 11.15 (free)

Lunch Booking* Price Quantity

Sandwich Buffet Lunch: Adult (13:00-14:00) £8.00

Sandwich Buffet Lunch: Child (age 10 and under) (13:00-14:00) £6.00

*Availability for lunch is limited and will be allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis and we will be unable to cater for extra numbers. Tickets MUST be bought in advance and presented on the day. Example lunch includes sandwiches, crisps, sausage rolls, mini cakes and juices.

Dietary requirements................................................................................................................................................................

- I enclose a cheque made payable to Christ’s Hospital for £.......................

- Please debit my Credit / Debit card for the sum of £..............................

Card Number .................... /.................... /.................... / .................... Expiry Date .......... / .......... CCV .....................

Old Blues VE Day16 May 202010.00 - 16.00

Take a tour of CH’s very own air raid shelter, the Tube (2 morning tours). Spaces are limited due to safety reasons. For accessability purposes please note the tour includes 15 steps down and up, and up to half a mile of walking within an enclosed space.

Make A ‘Great Escape’ ... to Sharpenhurst Hill! (afternoon). Join CH teacher Christy Hawkins in summiting Sharpemhurst Hill where this year’s Grecians Gift of a Peace Pole, featuring the words “May Peace Prevail on Earth”, will be planted to commemorate the end of WWII. The walk is approx.1hr 45 uphill through Shelley’s Wood.

Enjoy a VE Day street-party celebration | Compete in Giant Lawn Games | Tour a Boarding House | Join a commemorative Chapel Service | Discover CH WWII displays, our CH model railway and other fun activities at the CH Museum | Join members of the Barnes Wallis Foundation and learn more about Old Blue Barnes Wallis and his ‘Bouncing Bomb’ on the anniversary (16 May) of the launch of the first aircraft of 617 Squadrons Dam Busters | Browse the stalls at the Old Blues’ market (contact the CHOBA office to register your interest as a stallholder).

ADVANCED BOOKINGS ARE REQUIRED FOR THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES*:

*Both activities will be allocated on a first-come, first-served ticketed basis. If you do not receive tickets by post within 10 working days of returning your form, this unfortunately indicates the activity has become fully booked.

FEATURED ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT THE DAY INCLUDE:

A pre-bookable sandwich lunch will be available in Court Room and our own ‘Italian Campaign’ will be back on the Avenue again this year offering pizza, snacks and ice cream to purchase on the day.

REFRESHMENTS:

A full programme and online booking will be available at www.choba.org/events Please note: We may take photographs (on occasion using a professional photographer) at events. These could be used on our website or social media pages or for CHOBA publicity. When you book onto a CHOBA event we will automatically include your name and CH dates on an online attendee list. Full Ts and Cs can be found on the Old Blues’ section of the CH website. CHOBA, The Counting House, Christ’s Hospital, West Sussex RH13 0YP

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXOld Blues CHOldBlues

SPRING 2020 15

Christ’s Hospital’s recently published “Our Impact 2018/19” report demonstrates just how deeply Old Blues are committed to contributing to society through entrepreneurship, board service, and volunteering. I’ve always felt that Old Blues went on to achieve great things, and it was lovely to see the data to back that up.

As I’m sure you know, each year we take the chance to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Old Blues, and nominations are now open for the 2020 Old Blue Special Recognition Awards (OBSRAs). Please contact the CHOBA office to nominate individuals worthy of recognition, of whom I am sure there are many. The deadline for nominations is 29 May.

As our recent survey confirms, the global network of Old Blues is an amazing resource for one another – including careers advice, networking opportunities, shared-interest groups and social events across the globe. To connect with fellow Old Blues and access that network, all you need to do is sign up to our online platform CHOBA.org.

This year, we’re working with the School to connect current Grecians (Year 13 students) with Old Blues for one-to-one careers advice and guidance. Working with the CH careers department, we will introduce Grecians to the CHOBA.org website to enable them to leverage the talents and experience of Old Blues. If you’d like to support the career journey of current students, update your CHOBA.org profile settings to reflect this – more information can be found on page 17.

Looking ahead to Old Blues VE Day, a celebration of the 75th anniversary of VE Day. Don’t forget to save the date – Saturday 16 May – for what will be a wonderful celebration in honour of the sacrifice, courage and determination of Old Blues and others who secured peace in Europe.

Finally, my thanks go to all of you – Old Blues, parents, staff and friends – who make such a huge contribution to the life of CH. Your support – be it through donations, volunteering or advice – makes such a huge difference.

Ralph Tait (ThB, ThA 86-93)Chair of the CHOBA Board

Our Old Blue community is such an interesting and diverse group of people who have gone on to make a real difference in the world.

MESSAGE FROM THE CHOBA CHAIROf the 1,626 Old Blues who

responded to our 2019 survey:

NEWS

LEARN MOREThese are just a few highlights from our recently published impact report. DOWNLOAD a copy of Our Impact 2018/19 at: www.christs-hospital.org.uk/information/publications

29%24,700

66,000+10%

from these enterprises

have established a

have established a

BUSINESS

CHARITY/

PEOPLEBENEFITED

NOT-FOR-PROFIT

JOBS CREATED

37% 46%have served on a have served for aCOMPANY BOARD NOT-FOR-PROFIT,OR COMMITTEE CHARITY VENTURE OR

COMMUNITY GROUP

6,700+

ENTREPENEURSHIP

BOARD SERVICE

VOLUNTEERING

43% VOLUNTEEREACH MONTH

jointly provided every month

VOLUNTEER

HOURS

compared to 22% of the UK population

16 THE OLD BLUE

NEWS

SHARE YOUR NEWS TODAY!

Let us know what you’ve been doing and celebrate your successes.

Email us at oldblues@christs-hospital.org.uk or join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook @CHOldBlues

OLD BLUE NEWS

Vernon Joynson (PrepB, ThA 63-71) has written his latest book, A Sharp Shock To The System: A Comprehensive Guide To UK Punk, New Wave, Post-Punk, Mod Revival, Neo-Psychedelia, Goth-Rock & Electronic Music 1976-1986. Following his critically acclaimed The Two Volume Tapestry Of Delights (Borderline, 2014) which is an

encyclopaedic guide to UK rock and pop of the 1963-1976 era, this publication focuses on the revolution that the music business underwent in the UK over the next 10 years, and analyses the bands and artists from several new genres that changed the face of music forever.

Nominations are now open for the 2020 Old Blue Special Recognition Awards

The Awards recognise the achievements of Old Blues who have made outstanding and genuine contributions to the School, as well as the wider community.

To nominate individuals worthy of recognition contact the CHOBA office on E: oldblues@christs-hospital.org.uk T: 01403247619 or visit: www.christs-hospital.org.uk/old-blue-special-recognition-awards-2020-nominations-now-open

Deadline for nominations is 29th May 2020.

OBSRAs2020

Roger Moseley (PrepB, MdB 44-52) has just had a new book published, Morality: A Natural History. Rooted in scientific evidence and interspersed with personal anecdotes and humorous observations, it provides a unique perspective on the natural history of morality. For more information or to purchase a copy, visit Friesenpress or Amazon.co.uk.

Onyinye Udokporo (BaB, GrE 09-16) made an inspirational speech at the election ceremony for the new Lord Mayor of the City of London at the beginning of October, to an audience of 1,200. It was the first time in more than 800 years that there

was a guest speaker at the Lord Mayor’s Election ceremony.Onyinye’s speech was about her education at Christ’s Hospital and how much of a positive impact it had on her life.

On the latest episode of “40 Minute Mentor” you can listen to James Mitra (PeA, GrW 98-05) and Tim Armoo (MdB, GrW 11-13) discuss how Tim began his business Fanbytes while still studying at University, how he balanced his studies with launching the business and his advice for other entrepreneurs looking to carve their way in a new niche. Listen at: jbmc.co.uk/40-minute-mentor-episode-13-timothy-armoo-fanbytes

Rodney Vubya (PeB, GrW 02-09) recently starred in the production of Street Scene by Opera North.

Blending opera with the music of golden-age Broadway, the production included soaring

arias and duet, rubbing shoulders with jazz and the jitterbug. Street Scene received glowing reviews from a number of publications, including The Guardian, The Times, and The Observer.

Rodney Vubya and Michelle Andrews in Street Scene Photograph © Clive Barda/ArenaPAL

Michelle Cracknell (née Turner 6s 75-82) was recognised with a CBE in the 2019 Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to pensions. She is CEO of the Pensions Advisory Service.

Stephen Miley (LHA, MdA 66-72), former Director of Children’s Services at Hammersmith & Fulham Council, was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours for services to children and families.

Philip Kitcher (PeA, 58-66) the John Dewey professor of philosophy at Columbia University, has been awarded the University of Pittsburgh 2019 Nicholas Rescher Medal for contributions to Systematic Philosophy.

Simon Chadwick (LaB, 67-73) recently published For the People: A Citizen’s Manifesto to Shaping Our Nation’s Future America. In this political call to action, Simon argues that the true American dream is realizing self-actualization (The Pursuit of Happiness), the pinnacle of psychologist Abraham Maslow’s famous Hierarchy of Needs. For more information or to purchase a copy, visit Amazon.co.uk.

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SPRING 2020 17

Old Blues CHOldBlues

REMEMBERINGGraham Anderson (MdB 43-50)John Beer (PrepA, MdA 38-45)Frederick Bye (BaA 42-48)Anthony Cobb (MdA 39-47)Frank Collinson (LaA 36-43)James Cox (ThB, ThA, LaA, GrE 02-09)Anthony Cran (PeA 38-45)John Davies (LaA 33-40)John Davies (MdB 37-44)Nancy Dixon (née Bayley) (1s 34-41)Dorothy Green (née Steel) (1s, 2s 46-55)Jasper Griffin (PeA 48-56)Robert Griffiths (PrepB, ColB 47-54)John Hardy (MdA 45-52)Michael Hewitt (MaB 47-55)Madeline Huxstep (née Bishop) (5s 32-39)Hazel Ingram (4s 50-57)

Jane Jones (née Reynolds) (3s 39-43)Edward Kenney (ColA 35-43)Roger Laird (LaB 34-42)Thomas Law (MaB 92-98)Peter Le Feuvre (PrepB, MdA 50-58)Nicholas Luxmoore (MaB, ThA 67-74)Barbara Moody (née Wall) (3s 41-49)John Nicholas (MaB 44-50)John Purkis (MdB 43-51)Charles Rhodes (PrepA, MaA 47-56)Christine Rieser (née Delves) (2s 35-43)Mark Russell-Whitaker (LHB, MdB 69-76)Neil Simms (CH Staff 60-96)Judith Staynes (2s 75-82)Michael Streather (LHB, PeA 68-75)David Taylor (PrepA, PeA 41-48)Michael White (PrepA, ColB 46-54)

Christ’s Hospital extends sincere condolences to the friends and families of those listed below who have recently passed away.

COULD YOU SHARE YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE?Zak Ajjane (PeA, GrW 06-13) commissioned from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, in December 2019. He is now a 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Logistic Corps.

OLD BLUE MEMORIES

Find links to full obituaries for Old Blues online at: www.christs-hospital.org.uk/old-blues/obituaries

If you would like to let us know of an Old Blue’s recent death please contact: oldblues@christs-hospital.org.uk

Alex Marsh (LaA, GrE 03-10) commissioned from The Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, in August 2019. He is now a 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Welsh.

We have updated the careers and mentoring options on the CHOBA.org website. Here, you can search for other Old Blues who have offered to provide advice and mentoring. If you are able to offer careers-based advice, mentoring or networking to other Old Blues, please review the options (“edit profile”) on your profile page on the CHOBA.org website.

HELPING CURRENT STUDENTS WITH ONE-TO-ONE CAREERS ADVICE

Good career guidance is critical if young people are to raise their aspirations and capitalise on the opportunities available to them.

Students, similar to the majority of CH’s pupils, who are from lower-occupational classes without social networks or home support enabling them to speak to those with knowledge in a range of careers, face the most challenges.

Working alongside the CH careers department, we aim to trial the introduction of current Grecians (year 13) to the CHOBA.org website, to enable them to access the talents and knowledge that our Old Blues have to offer.

If you would be interested in helping current Grecians with one-to-one careers advice or mentoring, you must update your CHOBA.org profile settings to reflect this.

VISIT CHOBA.ORG TO GET STARTED

Ken Mansell (PeB 53-61) recently published A History of the Amicable Society of Blues. This book follows Ken’s trilogy of publications on Christ’s Hospital.

The Amicable Society of Blues is a group of mainly former pupils of Christ’s Hospital which meets three times a year to dine. It is possible that its origins can be traced back to 1629 and, if so, it is one of the oldest dining clubs in the world. The Society’s rich history first appeared in a book of 1924. Now, Ken Mansell, himself an Amicable, brings the story up-to-date. Further details including copies of all books, can be obtained from Ken at:ken.mansell@btinternet.com.

18 THE OLD BLUE

VE DAY: A DAY TO REMEMBER

TIME CAPSULE

On Old Blues’ Day, 16 May 2020 (page 14), CH will celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE Day (8 May 1945), when peace emerged in Europe after nearly six years of war. Here, we highlight a collection of memories and anecdotes of school life at CH, both in Horsham and Hertford, during the Second World War and the day that Victory in Europe was declared.

WE WILL REMEMBERFirst and foremost, we remember the enormous sacrifice, courage and determination of Old Blues and others who saw the country through WW2.

More than 2000 Old Blues served in the Armed Forces and Merchant Navy in WW2. The total number of Old Blues killed was 216, including several civilians who lost their lives as a result of enemy action. Their names are on the Dining Hall War Memorial and the Roll of Honour can be viewed online at: chwarmemorial.org.uk

“Among my most vivid wartime, Housey memories, are those which concern the pilotless German planes: Flying bombs, buzz bombs or doodlebugs as they were frequently called...CH was in “buzz-bomb alley” as many of the bombs were aimed at London... One did fall in the vicinity on the School Infirmary and I believe one or two people were slightly injured through flying glass or falling masonry.” (George Betts (ThA 41-49), The Blue, March 1986)

“Few sections of the population did a bigger job of work than senior-school boys. There could be no relaxation of class work: the J.T.C. demanded larger and more strenuous parades: they spent one afternoon digging a field to help our food supply by growing extra potatoes; they had Home Guard parades on every Sunday and on one week-day, and Fire Watching, etc. once a week. “ (Oswald Flecker, CH Headmaster, 1930-55)

When Masters under the age of 40 were summoned to military service or other war work it was necessary to recruit female teaching staff. “At first, the boys did not know how to address these newcomers. Among them was the very comely and much-loved Mrs GE Cooke, who joined Prep B, and was addressed as ‘Mrs Cooke, Sir!’” (The Blue, November 1940)

There is a theory that the Luftwaffe used the Water Tower as a navigational landmark, and because of CH’s name (Christus Krankenhaus in German), and Housey dress, thought it was a hospital run by monks and designated it off-bounds to attack. Oswald Flecker, CH Headmaster (1930-55), described how once “The Avenue was full of boys as the bomber broke from the mist a few feet above our roofs, so low that guns, markings, and crew were clearly visible. It paid no attention to us, but took a heavy toll of life in Horsham”.

Masters and boys worked feverishly on more than 2000 sandbags to strengthen the Tube (the passageway under the boarding houses), placing them ceiling high at intervals between house sleeping areas to minimise the impact of a blast. “However, some of us had loosened sandbags in these walls, or had replaced them with more moveable and lighter objects. In fact a kind of Housey ‘wooden-horse’ system was in operation by some of the more adventurous spirits... it was possible to go the length of the tube unobserved carefully replacing loose sandbags, or their substitutes, as one moved from one house sleeping area to another” (George Betts (ThA 41-49), The Blue, March 1986)

“The chief incident, as far as CH [Hertford] was concerned, was the scattering of incendiaries on the School Field. (It happened at bedtime so the girls were evacuated in nightdresses and wellington boots.) The incendiaries did little harm; but the fumes were appalling, and one always had the uneasy feeling that they were dropped to guide bombers to the attack.” (Frances Page, History Mistress at CH Hertford, 1937-c.1953)

CH Air Raid Precautions MapCH Home Guard

LIFE AT CH IN WW2

SPRING 2020 19

“Peace came at last, in the holidays, with the siren as the inevitable celebration of the last day of war. The end was not so much a matter for jubilation as for complete and heartfelt thankfulness. No more death, no more disablement... and for the civilian no more sirens and eventually no more rationing, and a chance to lead one’s own life fully in one’s own way. Feelings in the adult went too deep for Victory whoopee, but on the other hand we had the children to think about and wanted to make it a day they would always remember. There was a gala lunch in Dining Hall, and as if we had not seen enough of incendiaries, fireworks in the evening and a dance. It was of course a whole holiday. Everyone then settled down to wish each other a ‘Happy Peace’.” (Frances Page, History Mistress at CH Hertford, 1937-c.1953)

On 8 May 1945, Prime Minister Winston Churchill made an announcement on the radio at 3pm that the war in Europe had come to an end. Celebrations, street parties and victory parades took place across the UK and Christ’s Hospital was no exception: “flags began to appear from the windows of every house, loud cheers echoed up and down the Avenue, and all idea of work was of course forgotten” (The Blue, June-July 1945)

“On (8 May 1945) morning we got up an hour later than usual... A Thanksgiving Service was held in Chapel...We had tea at 4, after which the Band gave us a most enjoyable concert in the Quad...Miss Stevenson and her staff were kind enough to prepare a two-course supper which was duly appreciated...The biggest event of the day... took place in the evening when the whole school swarmed across to Sharpenhurst, where a bonfire... had been prepared... under the supervision of Mr. Carey... upon which... (were burned effigies) of the more prominent members of the late unlamented Nazi Party... After the bugles had sounded, and a well-deserved cheer had been raised for the Headmaster, we joined hands for Auld Lang Syne... On VE +1, we again got up an hour late,... the most notable feature was the way... Mr. Dore... managed to render Handel and I do like to be beside the seaside equally skilfully on the Big School organ. It is quite safe to say that ‘A good time was had by all’.” (The Blue, June-July 1945)

“The first event that sticks in the mind was the inspection on school grounds of Canadian troops [camped at CH in the run-up to the D-Day preparations]. The task was undertaken by General (later Field-Marshal) Bernard Montgomery... the Canadian troops were paraded for inspection in front of the Dining Hall. As a special privilege ... the J.T.C was also on parade. However, it was mustered discretely at the back.” (George Betts (ThA 41-49), The Blue, March 1986)

“Chapel took place as usual on Sundays, but if the siren went, the Chaplain was asked to stop the service and let the children run to their wards. One Sunday, the siren went, and incredibly the Chaplain did not hear! Soon the bumbling sound began, right overhead, and one could do nothing but pray for a miracle. Fortunately the bumbling did not stop but receded into the distance and the crash was heard a long way off. The recollection of those few horrible moments will remain with all who experienced them for life.” (Frances Page, History Mistress at CH Hertford, 1937-c.1953)

“Rationing provided just enough, and no more, for growing boys, and was not really sufficient to build up their reserves... With the advent of clothes rationing we were faced for the first time in our long history with a real threat to our ancient dress. New boys had to wear out their civilian clothing. By providing them later with ‘civvy’ suits and cutting down the issue of blue clothing to a single suit instead of two, we were able to keep the senior half of the school dressed in the old way” (Oswald Flecker, CH Headmaster, 1930-55)

VISIT THE CH MUSUEM

Explore more about the rich and diverse history of CH.

Open Tuesdays and Thursday 10am-4pm by appointment. E: chmuseum@christs-hospital.org.ukT: 01403 247444www.chmuseum.org.uk

SPRING 2020 19

VICTORY CELEBRATIONS

Sports day at CH Hertford, 1941. Obstacle race: note the wartime tin hats and gas-mask cases. Photo taken from Audrey Griggs Biography Away from the Bombs and the BoysGeneral Montgomery at CH

Our thanks to the CH Museum and Peter Bloomfield (PrepA, PeB 44-51) for their input.

PeB House Photo 1947

Six Old Blues and three CH Masters are known to have worked at Bletchley Park, Britain’s top code-breaking centre during WW2. The current Chief Executive is Old Blue, Iain Standen (PeA, 74-81)

STAY CONNECTEDT: +44 (0)1403 247619E: oldblues@christs-hospital.org.ukW: www.choba.org | www.christs-hospital.org.ukChrist’s Hospital, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 0YP

Registered Charity Number 306975

Christ’s Hospital Old Blues’ Association

@CHOldBlues

Christ’s Hospital Old Blues

CHOldBlues

KEEP IN TOUCH

Keep your details up-to-date to receive the latest news, invitations

and publications.

Contact: oldblues@christs-hospital.org.uk

FIND YOUR FRIENDS

Staying in touch with CH friends or tracking down those who you have lost touch with has never been easier. Our Old Blue Portal online helps you to connect with fellow Old Blues and

share your news.

Visit: choba.org/directory

JOIN OUR NETWORK

Our Old Blue community stretches across the globe. Join your local

section or business group to network with other Old Blues and attend

events.

Visit: choba.org/groups

MAKE A GIFT TOBRIGHT FUTURES

Donations of all sizes offer more young people the life-changing opportunity of a CH education.

Visit: www.christs-hospital.org.uk/

support-us/donate-now

or call: 01403 246570

GET INVOLVED

Come back to CH to give a talk, join our careers network to offer advice to pupils and Old Blues, or help organise events – there are plenty of ways to keep your

links with CH.

Contact: oldblues@christs-hospital.org.uk

THE OLD BLUE NETWORK

Whether you’re an Old Blue, parent or

supporter of CH, there are many ways to

keep in touch and get involved:

EDITORLindsey Sharkey, Engagement Manager

CHOBA PUBLICATIONS LIAISONBridget West (née Dray)(7s, ColB 84-91)

CHOBA MANAGERGina Skillings

Special thanks to Toby Phillips Photography tobyphillipsphotography.co.uk